Cash jobs crackdown by IRD (New Zealand)"Sixteen cash-dominated industries including restaurants and electricians are being targeted by Inland Revenue as part of its crackdown on the underground "cash" economy."

## Fault lines/flashpoints/powder kegs/military/war drums ##Iraq says Iran proposes Baghdad as nuclear talks venue"Iran has proposed holding the next round of talks with six world powers over its disputed nuclear program next week in Iraq instead of Turkey, Iraq's foreign minister said on Wednesday."

EU antipiracy force to 'seize initiative'"The European Union's anti-piracy military force will become more proactive in the fight against pirates, the departing force commander said Tuesday, in an effort to seize the initiative in an evolving battle that is moving closer to land."

However, yesterday we saw that South African oil imports from Iran jumped from zero to $364 million. It's a zero-sum game. Somebody will always need Iran's oil. -- RF

Japan, Britain in talks on joint arms development"Japan and Britain hope to reach a deal to begin joint development of arms following Tokyo's easing of its ban on exports of military equipment late last year, Britain's Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday."

Japan govt mulls providing patrol ships to R.P."The government is considering providing the Philippines with patrol vessels and a sea-ground communications system as part of its official development assistance, according to sources."The move is apparently intended to secure the safety of the nation's sea-lanes and help the Philippines boost its maritime security against piracy and counter China, whose maritime activities in the South China Sea have strained its bilateral relationship with the Philippines."U.S. Should Broaden Mil-to-Mil Ties in Asia Pacific: Ng"The United States needs to focus on building military-to-military relationships with countries in the Asia-Pacific region as it increases its activities there according to Singapore's defense minister."

## Global unrest/mob rule/angry people/torches and pitchforks ##Austerity suicide: Greek pensioner shoots himself in Athens"A cash-strapped Greek pensioner who said he feared having to 'scrounge for food' shot himself dead in Athens' main square in the latest in a series of suicides and attempted suicides triggered by European austerity measures."

Middle East gasoil premia seen surging into summer"Gasoil premiums in the Gulf Middle East have climbed to one-year highs, with tight supplies and firm demand likely to keep upward pressure on prices in May and June after a brief dip in late April, traders said."Saudi Aramco's gasoil buying throughout March and cargoes it has already booked for April to plug a supply shortage caused by refinery maintenance, combined with demand from East African countries like Kenya and Tanzania, has pushed up premiums."